Pupils and staff at the village primary school in Horsham St Faith arrived for the start of the spring term yesterday to find a section of the school playing field had been cordoned off by their local PCSO Chris Rolph.

The awe-struck youngsters were greeted by ‘scientist’ Donna Carman from the ‘Alien Defence Headquarters’, who was investigating what appeared to be an extra terrestrial object.

Eye witnesses said the object resembled an ‘alien-like’ egg, while a set of mysterious pale green footprints were discovered on the scorched ground around it.

Pupils and staff will not know exactly what happened during their Christmas break until scientists have had a chance to study the findings, with the children’s lessons over the next five weeks set to revolve around the unusual arrival.

Jordan Risebrow, senior teacher and Year 5/6 class teacher, who made the surprising discovery, said: “We shall certainly be making the most of this unique learning opportunity.”

Quite what the object actually is will become clear over the next few weeks, with staff having planned a range of learning experiences to develop the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in a range of subjects, but particularly in literacy, science, art and geography.

It will see the youngsters writing newspaper stories about the discovery, learning about the solar system in science and creating alien art.

Katherine Thompson, headteacher at St Faiths’ Church of England Primary School since 2011, was thrilled with the way the children at the Manor Road school had been so excited by the peculiar discovery.

And she also revealed all might not be quite as it seems.

She said: “The meteorite strike was instigated by Mr Risebrow as a vehicle for purposeful, exciting and engaging learning. As educators we are always looking for new ways of igniting children’s interest and imagination and we have certainly done that this morning, along with some of their parents.”

Do you know of a school which has hit on an unusual way of teaching children? Call Norwich Evening News education reporter Victoria Leggett on 01603 772468 or email victoria.leggett@archant.co.uk